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> Elder-Friendly Community Initiative
In response to recommendations from the Needs Assessment
Follow-Up Senior Action Team, HHHS developed an Elder Friendly
Community Initiative. A steering committee made up of representatives
from several Bainbridge Island agencies is guiding this effort.
Downlaod:
EFC Brochure (3.3MB PDF)
Elder-Friendly Community
An “elder-friendly community” values
the presence of elders in the community and recognizes their
many contributions to the vitality and diversity of civic
and social life. Elder-friendly communities develop policies
and programs that encourage housing, services, transportation,
and social activities that help preserve and enhance the quality
of life for older adults.
Aging in Place
Elder-friendly communities plan for and develop an
array of options that help support community members wherever
they choose to “age in place”. Aging in place
means “not having to move from one’s present residence
in order to secure the necessary support services.”
In a healthy and livable elder-friendly community there are
affordable, safe and adaptable housing options, convenient
and accessible transportation and mobility options, and a
wide variety of features, programs and services that respond
to changing needs.
Aging Well
Anticipating and planning now for ourselves, our parents,
and our neighbors to age in place comfortably is important
to the health and well-being of our families and our community.
The majority of persons currently living on Bainbridge Island
will stay in their homes throughout their entire life. At
least 24% of Island residents are over 55, and most will live
at home. Nearly half (45%) of persons over 65 live alone.
Strategies to Build
an Elder-Friendly Community
- Simplify access and enhance options to resources/services
- Encourage housing to meet needs of older persons
- Encourage development of an Island Adult Day Program
- Support transportation and mobility options
How We Build An
Elder-Friendly Community
Policy Makers:
- continue to plan for a range of affordable housing
options and mixed-use housing design,
- examine zoning barriers to housing alternatives i.e.
accessory apartments, shared housing,
- provide incentives for public and private builders
and developers to use universal design elements in new
construction and renovation, and
- continue to work to expand transportation choices and
alternative mobility options.
Faith Communities:
- expand home visitor programs,
- help identify needs and be involved in a variety of
volunteer support programs, and
- know about resources and where to refer faith community
members.
Agencies and Organizations:
- continue to enhance and coordinate existing services,
- seek innovative ways to fill gaps in community based
services such in-home services, and
- coordinate programs to share common space and activities.
Planners, Developers, and Builders:
- voluntarily adopt and integrate universal design features
in new and remodel construction,
- encourage private partnerships to explore new and innovative
approaches to home design.
Media can:
- profile elders in the community, including highlighting
intergenerational connections, and
- provide coverage of issues concerning elder-friendly
communities and aging in place.
Citizens can:
- become public advocates and speak up about the need
for planning and designing a community that meets the
changing needs of its elders, and
- support opportunities to help persons of all ages maintain
good health and well-being.
For more information on a particular
topic (PDF):
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